UPDATED 11:36 a.m.
KEALAKEKUA BAY — Kealakekua Bay is closed following a reported shark attack this morning that sent a 26-year-old woman to the hospital in serious condition.
The woman, identified as a visitor, was swimming in waters about 50 to 100 feet offshore on the Napoopoo side of the bay when she was apparently bitten by a shark, Hawaii Fire Department officials said at the scene. The woman was able to get out of the water on her own and walk, with some assistance of bystanders, to medics.
The reported shark attack occurred at 8:15 a.m., officials said. The entire bay was immediately closed, and ocean safety officials utilized a Jet Ski to get snorkelers, paddle-boarders and kayakers out of the water. Tour companies have closed shop at the site for the day as well.
The woman suffered flesh wounds to her lower back and right hip area. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital in serious condition.
The Hawaii Police Department reported about 11 a.m. that the woman was in good health and is expected to be released.
After the incident, Hawaii County’s Chopper 1 performed an aerial survey of the area and spotted a 10-foot tiger in the bay. However, officials said that based on the injuries the woman suffered, they believe it was not a tiger shark, but possibly a reef shark.
Police said a witness described the shark as having a gray tip.
Officials also noted that snorkelers in the bay have reported seeing more sharks in the area. They speculate it could be related to dolphins giving birth in the area.
Kealakekua Bay will remain closed for at least 24 hours, per standard protocol. Shark warning signs are being posted.
Chopper 1 will do another aerial survey about 11 a.m. Wednesday to determine whether the beach can be reopened, fire officials said.
Colin Cornforth of Captain Zodiac Raft and Snorkel Adventures said the company has changed its itinerary today in the wake of the incident. He noted that the reported attack was at the “very far south side of the bay,” and not in front of Captain Cook monument.
PREVIOUSLY
Shark warning signs are being posted on both sides of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park in West Hawaii after a female swimmer was reportedly bitten by a shark this morning on the Napoopoo side of the bay, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said.
The warning signs will remain in place until at least noon Wednesday, according to DLNR. Two operators at the bay are being asked to keep people out of the water until an all clear is given.
DLNR did not have further details about the incident.
